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Iguodala return to have major implication on Golden State Warriors roster decision

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors argues with official Matt Myers #43 after Iguodala was ejected from the game after a second technical foul was called on him against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on January 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 10: Andre Iguodala #9 of the Golden State Warriors argues with official Matt Myers #43 after Iguodala was ejected from the game after a second technical foul was called on him against the Phoenix Suns during the fourth quarter at Chase Center on January 10, 2023 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Veteran forward Andre Iguodala is expected to return for the Golden State Warriors on Sunday, joining Stephen Curry as ‘probable’ for the matchup against the Lakers in Los Angeles.

The 39-year-old has played in just three games this season, with his absence forcing head coach Steve Kerr to look at alternative options in his rotation. That includes Anthony Lamb, the 25-year-old forward who’s played a surprisingly pivotal role in the Warriors’ bench unit.

Andre Iguodala’s return is bound to have a major implication on the Golden State Warriors plans with Anthony Lamb moving forward.

Lamb has played in 49 games this season, meaning he has just one game remaining until he reaches his 50-game limit on a two-way contract. The Warriors signed Lester Quinones to a 10-day contract earlier this week, doing so purely to ensure the game eligibility of Lamb and fellow two-way player Ty Jerome. The latter has been active for 45 games this season, leaving him with five games left before a decision has to be made.

The Golden State Warriors will soon have to make a decision on Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
The Golden State Warriors will soon have to make a decision on Ty Jerome and Anthony Lamb. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Iguodala’s return is likely to see a number of inactive games for Lamb, assuming the medical and coaching staff believe the former can play 10-15 minutes per game. His return may be one thing, but the 2015 Finals MVP’s form will be an even bigger factor in Lamb’s future.

A fully healthy Golden State have a clear nine-man rotation, leaving Iguodala and/or Lamb as the 10th or 11th man come playoff time. If Iguodala shows enough over the next ten games to prove he can fulfill that role, then Lamb may prove futile to Golden State’s needs.

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Stephen Curry’s expected return on Sunday will also have an impact on Jerome and his playing time going forward. The Warriors are running out of time to decide on the futures of their two-way players, but they seem intent to kick the can as far down the road as possible.

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